According to the March 2019 Printing-Writing Monthly report from AF&PA, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 10 percent in March compared to March 2018. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers declined five percent in March compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased 1 percent from February 2019.

U.S. shipments of uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper decreased 10 percent in March from the same month one year ago. The inventory level of UFS papers increased one percent in March compared to February. UFS imports in February 2019 increased 33 percent year-over-year while exports decreased 13 percent.

U.S. purchases of coated free sheet (CFS) papers decreased 6 percent in March when compared to March 2018. Inventories decreased one percent compared to last month. Imports of CFS papers in February 2019 increased 10 percent exports decreased by less than one-half of one percent.

U.S. shipments of coated mechanical (CM) papers decreased 8 percent year-over-year in March. U.S. purchases of uncoated mechanical (UM) paper decreased 6 percent in March. Inventory levels at the end of March when compared to February increased for both CM and UM. In February, both imports and exports of CM increased year-over-year, while for UM imports were up and exports were down.

The complete report with detailed tables, charts and historical data can be purchased by contacting Kory Bockman at Statistics_Publications@afandpa.org or 202-463-4716.

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The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance a sustainable U.S. pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products manufacturing industry through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. AF&PA member companies make products essential for everyday life from renewable and recyclable resources and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry’s sustainability initiative — Better Practices, Better Planet 2020. The forest products industry accounts for approximately four percent of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures nearly $300 billion in products annually and employs approximately 950,000 men and women. The industry meets a payroll of approximately $55 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 45 states. Visit AF&PA online at afandpa.org or follow us on Twitter @ForestandPaper.